OSWALDTWISTLE’S Civic Theatre could soon be transformed into an arts centre.

It would house everything from theatre to art exhibitions and would even include facilities for filming and other new media.

Behind the scheme is project manager Gayle Knight who is working with Hyndburn Council and the Arts Council on a development blueprint set to be completed by the end of this month.

Gayle said: “The idea is to make a community arts venue. It will be a great way to get lots of people involved in different arts projects. The centre may also provide teaching facilities so we can bring in school children for different activities.”

It is also hoped the venue can be used as a new community centre for other social service programmes right in the heart of Oswaldtwistle.

Although the project is still in early days, the idea has generated positive feedback, with Hyndburn Council setting aside £150,000 in its budget this financial year.

Gayle said: “We are a long way off having the funding we need. At the moment we are trying to see what kind of demand there is for it. One positive sign is the council and the Leisure Trust have both expressed an interest in it.”

A presentation about the development will be given during the Oswaldtwistle Area Council meeting on 11 March.

Gayle says she cannot estimate how much money is needed or how long it will take to implement but she aims to obtain it from various sources, including Lottery grants and other arts funds.

Area Council Chairman Peter Britcliffe: “This is one of several exciting projects happening in Oswaldtwistle at the moment and it is something we will certainly consider with interest.”